EXTENDED STAY

Now that you’ve extended your stay in the Philippines and now that you’ve booked a hotel room, what’s next?

Well, you’re finally free to explore Manila as much as you want. With so many sights to visit, however, it’s easy to be overwhelmed. And if it’s your first time wandering around the capital, then it’s easy to be swallowed by the hustle and bustle of the city. . . And eventually lose your way.

If you’re bewildered, then this post will help you make the best out of your stay in Manila.

Here are some of the things you can do:

Explore Intramuros

Intramuros is witness to multitudes of historical events. It also remains as the only district in Manila where you can still see vestiges of the Spanish era. In fact, it will probably feel like the place is pulled out from a history textbook.

For one, it’s a common sight to see a kalesa (or a horse-drawn carriage) traversing the roads. You’ll also catch a glimpse of majestic churches, such as the Baroque San Agustin Church and Manila Cathedral. The former was one of the churches built during the Spanish colonization, and is also recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Your exploration of Intramuros is never complete without a visit of Fort Santiago, a well-kept park right at the heart of the district.

To make the visit a lot more fruitful, you can also opt to have a guide with you.

Go around Quiapo

Quiapo is also branded as the “Old Downtown of Manila.” Here you can find the Quiapo Church, where the feast of the Black Nazarene takes place every year. It’s an occasion that lures in millions of people.

Aside from that, Quiapo is also famous for its cheap and bargain funds—where you can find things for a steal. Because of that, this place can be extremely crowded, which can be rather shocking for some tourists.

You can also have your fortune told by fortune tellers loitering just outside the church. You can check out some of the anting-antings (lucky charms) being sold—these amulets are said to ward off evil spirits. Additionally, there are charms that are said to grant its owner luck and good health.

Visit Binondo: The world’s first Chinatown

The oldest Chinatown in the world was established in 1594. As the name suggests, Binondo will give you a glimpse of this Chinese community here in Manila. Aside from being a cultural haven, it’s also filled to the brim with food and restaurants; in fact, you can find more than a hundred of them in Binondo.

From Chinese street food to a more expensive buffet dinner, this place has you covered. You can be sure that your cravings will definitely be satisfied.

Go museum-hopping

If you’re passionate about history, art, and culture, then you might want to have a sampling of the museums available in Manila. Here are some of them that you can visit:

• • The National Museum
  • Casa Manila
  • San Agustin Museum
  • Bahay Tsinoy
  • National Museum of Natural History in Rizal Park
  • Museo Pambata
  • Ayala Museum
  • Presidential Museum and Library
  • Rizal Shrine

Consider bargain-hunting

Manila is the perfect place to hunt for cheap bargains. You can score tons of items here for half the price, since it’s teeming with bazaars and thrift stores. Aside from Quiapo, here are other areas you can visit:

• • Divisoria
  • Greenhills
  • Tiendesitas
  • Dapitan Arcade
  • Salcedo Weekend Market

Go on a food trip

Aside from going to Binondo to try out various Chinese-Filipino fusion dishes, there are other places you could visit. In fact, why limit yourself when you could taste the different flavors the Philippines can offer. You could go on a gastronomic adventure all over Manila; here are some suggestions that you could dine in:

• • Aristocrat
  • Sentro 1771
  • Café Juanita
  • Wooden Spoon
  • Romulo Café
  • Mesa Filipino Moderne
  • Crisostomo
  • Pia Y Damaso

Go clubbing come night time

If you’re all about the night life, then you won’t be disappointed as Manila has a variety of clubs you could go and have some fun in. You could either go with your group of friends or meet some friendly locals. Here are a few clubs you may want to go to:

• • Valkyrie
  • Revel
  • Royal
  • Black Market
  • Chaos

This list is far from finished. This is just a sampling of the wonderful activities you can do here in Manila. Don’t be afraid! Be adventurous, talk to the locals, and do ample research. Make sure that you maximize your extended stay in one of Manila’s hotels.

The I’M Hotel promise

If you’re seeking a splendid accommodation in a hotel for your extended stay in Manila, then the I’M Hotel team is waiting for you.

I’M Hotel boasts several firsts. For one, it’s the first 5 star hotel in Makati. It’s also home to the first Onsen Spa in the country—this spa, in fact, is the largest urban spa center in the Philippines.

I’M Hotel is also nestled in an ideal location—that is, within a convenient distance to malls and other establishments. You’ll have no difficulty finding whatever it is you need; everything is within easy access.

Aside from our spa offering, basking in our infinity pool is also another superb service created just for you. With the pool’s location and its unique acrylic bottom, you’ll have a swimming experience unlike anything before. The pool can be seen from the lobby, which creates a certain bond between the guests who are swimming and the guests who have just stepped inside the hotel.

You’re also free to marvel at our hotel’s sophisticated and luxurious architecture, as well as our stash of featured artworks by several talented artists. Even though you’re still not in the midst of Manila’s mesmerizing cityscape, there will always be a sight for you to behold here in the confines of I’M Hotel.

And then, of course—there’s the food. An exceptional hotel should have an equally excellent food in its arsenal. Here at I’M Hotel, we grace our guests with a vast array of dining options, which will definitely suit and satiate your taste.

Lastly, to make your stay in Manila more seamless, I’M Hotel grants our beloved guests a daily shuttle service, which will allow you to explore the vicinity of Makati, giving you a glimpse of its eclectic and exciting lifestyle.

If you’re interested in booking a room or if you have any inquiries, then contact us now. Also, feel free to browse through our website. You could have a feel of our services by checking out our rooms, our dining options, and our spa. For sure, you won’t be left disappointed.

The I’M Hotel team is waiting for you.